International Council of Shopping Centers Revamps RECon 2015’s Education Lineup
April 12, 2015
The International Council of Shopping Centers has added several new programs, spotlighting additional education, professional development and deal-making opportunities, to RECon 2015 on tap May 17-20 in Las Vegas.
The three-day global conference will debut a revamped educational program, a full day dedicated to professional development and the Talent Development Pavilion.
RECon’s more than one million square feet of exhibiting space has expanded to include SPREE RECon, the Leasing Mall, and the Marketplace Mall – providing further ground to bolster ICSC’s estimate that approximately 50 percent of all industry deals are conceived of or consummated at RECon.
Formerly known as RECon Academy, educational courses have undergone an intensive, industry-centric update, expanded for key audiences and integrated as part of the overall program.
Offered free of charge for the first time, most educational courses will also be available online after the event with “Best Value” registration. Also new, all conference, education, and blockbuster sessions, as well as the keynote luncheons will take place at the Westgate Las Vegas hotel, located adjacent to the Convention Center.
Prior to the official kickoff of the show, professionals are invited to attend Professional Development Day. The educational program is designed to help shopping center management enhance career progression, develop new industry skills, keep abreast of new technology and best practices, earn credit towards professional certification, and grow the specialty leasing program’s bottom line.
The Talent Development Pavilion will be held in the Marketplace Mall and offer insight into ICSC’s broad-based programs and services that support professional development at all stages.
The Pavilion will feature university programs in retail and real estate, student mentoring program, and unique opportunities including resume coaching, professional headshot photographs, and career-enhancing power sessions.
RECon’s integration of SPREE, the world’s largest show for the cart, kiosk, and temporary retail industry, will connect thousands of the specialty retail industry’s key players with RECon’s established network, offering both markets the unparalleled opportunity to gather under one roof and make deals.
SPREE RECon includes a trade show component with nearly 200 exhibit booths, more than 14 hours of educational content and a networking reception.
With more than 900 of the world’s largest shopping center development companies, top retailers, leasing agents, brokers, and public sector professionals in attendance, the Leasing Mall is the most cost-efficient means of doing business. Whether looking to expand into new markets, or lease space in a new or existing center, the Leasing Mall is where plans come into fruition.
Whether seeking décor, shopping carts, or the latest in shopping center technology, the Marketplace Mall will house innovative and convenient solutions provided by the industry’s top product and service providers. More than 300 product suppliers and service companies have committed to attend the Marketplace Mall.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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